Ta-so-ne, or the White Cow, the hereditary successor of Mush-shinga, being governed by an unambitious wife, remained inactive; whilst the next important man, Ong-pa-ton-ga, or the Big Elk, more distinguished for his vigorous intellect than for any martial qualities, attained to the supreme dignity, which he still retains. The power of this amiable and intelligent chief was very considerable during the early part of his administration; and although not so absolute as his predecessors, yet it is believed that he could then inflict the punishment of death upon an individual with his own hands, with impunity. Five years ago he informed a stranger, in the presence of his people, that he could compel any one of them to lie down before him, that he might place his foot upon his neck; this assertion was assented to by his hearers. But the influence of the grand chief of the Omawhaws has very much diminished, in consequence of the improper distribution of medals by the whites; so that, although one of the most intelligent leaders that the nation has probably ever had, yet he could hardly do more at this time than inflict a blow for the most serious offence. Still, however, he maintains a supremacy over six or seven medalled rivals, in despite of the intrigues of the traders.[209] He does not now attempt to coerce any of his people, but substitutes advice and persuasion. {208} By his influence and pacific councils, he has rendered the Omawhaws a peaceful people, who limit their warfare to the punishing of war-parties that depredate on them or their possessions; and he exultingly affirms, that his hands are unstained with the blood of white men. FOOTNOTES: [205] The succeeding chapters [the last in this volume, and the first five in the next], which relate to the manners and customs of the Indians, chiefly the Omawhaws, are from the notes of Mr. Say.--JAMES. _Comment by Ed._ With the account of the Omaha here given, compare Dorsey, "Omaha Sociology," in Bureau of Ethnology _Report_, 1881-82, p. 205. [206] See No. 43 in Language of Signs, Appendix B, volume xvii.--ED. [207] In corroboration of the remarks given in the text, we add the following account of an interview which Major O'Fallon had with Indians of the Mississippi,[B] whose agent has been hitherto unable to restrain them from carrying on warlike operations against the Missouri Indians. In St. Louis, on the 3d April, 1821, B. O'Fallon, agent for Indian affairs on Missouri, met a deputation from the Saukee nation of Indians, on the subject of a most destructive war, carried on by them against the Otoes, Missouries, and Omawhaws of his agency, and spoke to them as follows:-- "SAUKEES,